We've all been there - y'all're on the motorway who-knows how many miles to the side by side services and the fuel calorie-free comes on.

None of u.s.a. e'er hateful to run out of fuel just it does happen. And so what does the alarm lite really mean, how many miles can you go once it comes on and what are your options when information technology appears?

My fuel light came on, what does information technology mean?

Your warning lite illuminates when fuel levels are depression in your tank.

This isn't triggered by a standardised amount of remaining fuel, although virtually independant estimates suggest lights typically engage at 10% to 15% of a tank'southward capacity.

My fuel low-cal is flashing, what does it mean?

When my fuel light comes on how much fuel is left?

There'south no 'i size fits all' answer to this question. It's possible for two cars of the same model to cover different distances, using the same amount of fuel.

Road conditions, gear choice and tyre pressure are only some of the variables that brand a difference.

Ongoing independent research gathered by UK drivers*, suggests the elevation-selling cars in the Britain are able to travel these distances in one case their fuel light comes on:

Car	Miles left
Ford Fiesta	37 miles
Vauxhall Corsa	36 miles
Ford Focus	41 miles
Volkswagen Golf	44 miles
Nissan Qashqai	43 miles
Volkswagen Polo	42 miles
Vauxhall Astra	thirty miles
Audi A3	43 miles
Mini Cooper	44 miles
BMW 3 Series	44 miles

How far can you go on '0 miles to empty'?

Nearly newer cars practice away with the traditional dial-shaped fuel gauge in favour of a digital readout. These are supposed to give drivers a more accurate representation of exactly how far they can go before running out by displaying the approximate number of miles you can travel until empty.

Anecdotally, you hear most people driving for over 10 miles to the nearest services after their estimate hits '0'. If this test by AutoVlog is anything to go by, you can even make it over 20 miles if you're desperate!

All cars will exist different though, and the above figures are independantly reported estimates, and so the best advice is not to take chances it. Make plans to get to the services as soon every bit yous can.

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I might not get in to the petrol station, what do I practice?

how-far-can-i-go-on-empty-fuel-pumps

If all signs suggest you're well-nigh to completely run out of fuel, be sure to observe a prophylactic place to pull over and turn on your hazard lights. If yous find yourself cleaved downwardly on the motorway, remember to leave your machine from the door furthest from traffic, walk away from the difficult shoulder and out of the style of other vehicles.

Information technology's not advisable to walk to a service or petrol station; endeavour to inquire a friend or family fellow member if they could meet y'all with a jerry can of fuel instead.

Don't hazard driving when your tank is gear up to run out completely: phone call for recovery.

If you need assistance you cancall the RAC on 03301 598 751 whether yous're a member or not.

What happens when you run out of fuel?

Drivers often report feeling their car jerk or stutter every bit they try to accelerate with low or no fuel.

You lot may also hear spluttering noises as your fuel pumps fail to feed the engine and your car starts picking up debris from the lesser of the tank. Somewhen your car volition struggle to advance and stop completely.

Volition attempting to bulldoze on an empty tank impairment my engine?

The engine management system on diesel cars shuts down before completely running dry to minimise damage. A car powered by unleaded fuel, nevertheless, runs the hazard of emptying completely.

When an engine draws in the gunk and debris sitting at the bottom of the tank you lot take a chance damage to your fuel tank, fuel pump and filter arrangement. As unwanted materials travel through your pump, particles can get stuck and clog the organization, somewhen corroding it. Repeatedly running your tank dry could also cause your pump to overheat, wearing it out prematurely.

Where debris is drawn by a fuel pump, the filter system can make full with crust and sediment that may prevent fuel from reaching the tank – eventually preventing the machine from starting.

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Can I call for recovery if I run out of fuel?

If you run out fuel, the RAC tin come to assist.

We besides provide Mis-Fuel Rescue as an optional service on your breakdown cover. If yous put the wrong kind of fuel into your vehicle, we'll assistance to drain and clean out the fuel system. We'll also add a quantity of the correct fuel to get you moving again, and safely dispose of the unwanted fuel.

Is it illegal to run out of fuel?

how-far-can-i-go-on-empty-fuel-pumping

While running out of fuel isn't illegal in itself, any careless or dangerous driving that results from it could see yous punished by law.

You could receive a punishment of £100 and three points on your licence if you are forced to stop in the road and cause an obstruction. In cases where your empty fuel tank leads to an accident, as well as putting yourself and other route users at extreme adventure, you could be taken to court, or issued with 9 points and an unlimited fine.